CS Miano pledges to accelerate strategy to unlock tourism potential

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has pledged to speed up the development of strategies to unlock the huge potential of Kenya’s tourism industry.

Miano said tourism is Kenya’s third largest source of foreign exchange, and tourism revenue will reach 352.6 billion shillings in 2023, compared with 268.1 billion shillings in the previous year, an increase of 31.5%.

Speaking at a formal handover ceremony in Nairobi where she took over the portfolio of Tourism Minister from new Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Miano said she would lead consultations on revising the national tourism policy.

“I will ensure that the country Tourism Policy Services “As tourists’ tastes continue to change, there are some emerging trends in the industry that are important in boosting the country’s economic growth,” Miano said.

The Cabinet Secretary said her first priority is to build broad consensus with key stakeholders in the spirit of a bottom-up economic model to accelerate the growth of tourism revenue in support of the government’s development agenda.

Miano said she would implement the move in a way that maintains a more balanced distribution of the benefits of Kenya’s tourism and wildlife conservation across the country, and would consult with industry players on ways to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

The Cabinet Secretary articulated the need for greater product diversification to cater to modern tastes and enhance the country’s competitive advantage, and affirmed that the Ministry will work closely with all stakeholders to unlock the sector’s vast potential for domestic and international tourism.

“I will seek ways to consolidate the culture of tourism in the country and eliminate the idea that tourism is for foreign tourists,” Miano said. “I will also encourage the use of modern information technology to promote tourism, not only to increase the number of tourists, but also to allow tourists to enjoy unforgettable experiences through a variety of attractions.”

Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), is working with county governments to develop niche tourism routes, a move Miano said will revolutionize the industry.

Miano said her door is open to all industry players to seek partnerships that benefit the sector, with a focus on ensuring synergy with county governments and creating a conducive environment for tourism investments nationwide.

The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya is the custodian of a diverse wildlife heritage and there is a need to recalibrate wildlife conservation measures to address current issues such as climate change and flora and fauna We must take care

Miano expressed commitment to finding sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict, noting that she would work closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service and other agencies to ensure that appropriate compensation and protection mechanisms were in place.

Mutua spoke highly of the groundwork done during his tenure, especially initiatives aimed at uncovering Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures, and believed that Miano would bring a new perspective to boost tourism revenues.

“I am confident that CS Miano will use this opportunity to drive tourism revenue growth, especially through partnerships with counties, and I wish her success in leading Kenya’s tourism industry to new heights,” Mutua said.